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Where must you stop at a railroad crossing with the gate down in New Jersey?

Two cars stopped at a railroad crossing with the gate arm down and red lights flashing while a freight train approaches

The gate is down and the red lights are flashing at a railroad crossing. Where must you stop?

Answer choices

The answer

Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, and do not go until it is safe. Never drive through, around or under a closed or moving gate.

New Jersey law requires a stop in four cases: a warning signal is working, a crossing gate is lowered or a flagger is signaling, a train or on-track equipment is giving an audible signal within about 1,500 feet and is an immediate hazard, or an approaching train is plainly visible and close enough to be hazardous.

A separate provision bars driving through, around or under a crossing gate or barrier that is closed or being opened or closed.

Exceptions

  • The statute text for this rule lists no exceptions. A related section exempts abandoned crossings, crossings where the tracks have been removed or paved over, and crossings marked as exempt.

Penalty

The MVC points schedule lists 2 points for improper crossing of a railroad grade crossing.

Why this rule matters for safety

A train cannot stop quickly or swerve. The gate and lights exist because a vehicle on the tracks has no escape.

Stopping 15 feet back keeps your car out of the train's path and clear of the gate arm as it comes down.

Official sources

Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the New Jersey agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.

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